IT Support Specialist
Help people solve computer, account and network problems: the classic way into IT.
- $61,860
- 3–6 months
Technology career
Computer Repair Technician
Also called: Computer Technician · PC Repair Technician · Field Service Technician · Office Equipment Technician
What computer repair technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a computer repair technician do?
Computer, automated teller and office machine repairers install, maintain and repair computers, printers, copiers, point-of-sale systems and ATMs, in shops or at customer sites. The median pay is $47,810 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–12 months, and employment is projected to grow -3.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$47,810$22.99/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-3.0%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year6,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationSome college, no degreeBLS classification
- Time to train3–12 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs72,100Employment, 2025
What computer repair technicians do
Computer repair technicians diagnose and fix hardware and software problems. They replace failed parts, remove malware, reinstall operating systems, recover data, service printers and copiers, and maintain point-of-sale systems and ATMs. Field technicians travel to businesses on service calls.
Many technicians have some college or a technical certificate and earn certifications such as CompTIA A+. The role is a practical entry into IT, though some repair work is declining as devices become harder to repair. Field service and specialized equipment repair remain steady.
Typical duties
- Diagnose hardware and software problems
- Replace failed components
- Remove malware and reinstall systems
- Recover and transfer data
- Service printers, copiers and POS systems
- Perform preventive maintenance
- Document repairs and advise customers
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in repair shops, retail stores, corporate IT departments and at customer sites. Field techs drive between locations and lift equipment.
Schedule: Most work full-time days; some field roles include on-call or evening work.
A day in the life
- Review service tickets and parts in stock.
- Diagnose a laptop that won’t boot and replace its failed SSD.
- Restore the customer’s data from backup.
- Drive to a store to repair a point-of-sale terminal.
See a full day in the life of a computer repair technician →
Computer Repair Technician salary
Half of computer repair technicians earned more than $47,810 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,910 for the lowest 10% to $71,730 for the top 10%.
Full computer repair technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a computer repair technician
- Learn hardware basics
- Earn CompTIA A+
- Get hired at a shop or IT department
- Specialize
- Advance
Some college or a technical certificate is common, and many technicians learn on the job. CompTIA A+ is the standard entry certification.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a computer repair technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Hardware troubleshooting
- Operating system installation
- Malware removal
- Data recovery
- Printer and copier repair
People skills
- Customer service
- Patience
- Problem solving
- Time management
All computer repair technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick entry with certifications
- Hands-on problem solving
- Path into broader IT careers
- Field roles offer variety
Cons
- Some repair work is declining
- Frustrated customers
- Driving and lifting for field roles
- Modest pay at entry level
Certifications and licenses
- CompTIA A+: The standard entry-level IT hardware and software certification.
- Manufacturer certifications: Such as Dell, HP or Apple certified repair credentials.
- CompTIA Network+: Networking certification useful for field technicians.
- Copier and printer manufacturer training: Training for specific equipment.
Career path
- Repair Technician: Fix devices in a shop.
- Field Service Technician: Repair equipment on site.
- IT Support Specialist: Support users and systems.
- Service Manager or Network Technician: Lead service teams or move into networking.
Learn the job before day one
Our Computer Repair Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as diagnose a computer that won’t turn on and remove malware from a PC, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Electronics Technician
Build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and equipment.
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Network Technician
Install, monitor and troubleshoot the networks that connect computers and people.
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Telecommunications Technician
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Compare: Computer Repair Technician vs. IT Support Specialist · Computer Repair Technician vs. Electronics Technician · Computer Repair Technician vs. Network Technician · Computer Repair Technician vs. Telecom Technician
Computer Repair Technician FAQ
Is computer repair a good career?
It’s a good entry point into IT, though some repair work is declining.
Do I need a degree?
No. Certifications such as A+ are common.
What’s next after computer repair?
IT support, networking or field service leadership.
How much does a computer repair technician make?
The median annual wage for computer repair technicians was $47,810 ($22.99 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,910 and the highest 10% earned more than $71,730.
How long does it take to become a computer repair technician?
Most people need about 3–12 months of training. Some college or a technical certificate is common, and many technicians learn on the job. CompTIA A+ is the standard entry certification.
Do you need a degree to be a computer repair technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “some college, no degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More computer repair technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-2011 (Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.